Sparks Owner Magic Johnson: ‘This Is a Great Day for the City of Los Angeles’

It’s official: Magic Johnson and Mark Walters are a part of the group who will own the Los Angeles Sparks.

The group — which also owns the Los Angeles Dodgers — is credited with saving women’s professional basketball in L.A.

”We’re totally thrilled,” WNBA President Laurel Richie told The Associated Press. ”When Magic chooses to enter into a partnership with a WNBA team, that’s a great thing. He’s a legend within basketball. He’s very knowledgeable about the game. He’s a larger-than-life personality. He’s an extremely successful business man. He cares about the community the way that the WNBA does.”

Ms. Richie told the AP more than the fact that the franchise is located in Los Angeles attracted Walters and Johnson to the team.

”I do know they were very attracted to this team not just because they were in L.A. and their incredible history, but also their performance over the last few years,” she continued. ”The players,

WNBA President Laurel Richie

Candace being MVP, Carol (Ross) being Coach of the Year, their knowledge and experience – they recognize what an incredible franchise it is at this moment.”

Said Johnson in a statement by the WNBA, ““This is a great day for the city of Los Angeles and the Sparks,” said Johnson. “The leaders of this great city came together quickly to keep this franchise right where it belongs—in the city of Angels. Thanks to my sister, Evelyn, playing college basketball, I have a great appreciation of the talented players that represent the WNBA. Our group will now work together to bring our loyal fans another WNBA championship. ”